Only 20 prosecutions since start of smoking ban

LESS than 20 prosecutions have been made against premises for breaching the smoking ban since it was introduced almost a year ago, the Office of Tobacco Control (OTC) said yesterday.

There have been a number of repeat offenders and in the majority of cases the maximum fine of €3,000 was levied. The OTC figures revealed yesterday take into account prosecutions from March 29, 2004, when the ban was introduced, up until the end of last month.

And latest figures from the Revenue Commissioners show that estimated tobacco sales for 2004 were 15% less than in 2003, while excise receipts for tobacco products in 2004 were approximately €98 million less than the previous year.